The Boeing Story Part III

The year was 1964, Lyndon Johnson was president, the Beatles were all the rage, and Boeing begun its design of what would become one of the most recognizable airliners ever, the 737. This aircraft would solidify Boeing as a commercial aircraft maker, and possibly produce an aircraft built more than any other ever.

Boeing originally intended to make a small airliner, between 60 and 85 seats, to compete with the Douglas's DC-9 and other aircraft. However, after a meeting with the launch customer, Lufthansa, the national carrier of Germany, the plane was redesigned to seat 100 people, in a six abreast configuration, shared with the previous 707 and 727. This first design would become to be known as the 737-100, the least produced of the 737 family, with a total of 30 being built, most for Lufthansa. The 737-100 was 94 feet long, and carried a maximum of 115 passengers. The 737-100 first flew in 1967, and one is currently operated by NASA for research.

The 737-100 was seen as too small of an aircraft for service in the United States. To solve this problem, Boeing lengthened the737-100 by 6 feet, in order to seat 130 passengers. United Airlines was quick to order this new airliner, with the first flight in 1967. The 737-200 was eventually updated, with new wing design, new engines, and strengthening to allow for more weight to be carried. The 737-200 was produced from 1968 to 1988, with a total of 1,114 built, many in service today across the world. One of the prominent operators of the 737-200 was Southwest Airlines, who started with 3 aircraft flying within the state of Texas. The 737-100 and 737-200 are today classified as the 737 Original series.

1980 saw a redesign of Boeing's signature small airliner. With newly designed engines offering lower fuel consumption, to lengthening of the airliner to accommodate more passengers, to cabin improvements, making the new model's modern. This new model would come to be known as the 737-300, the first of the 737 Classic series. Originally ordered by US Air and Southwest Airlines, the 737-300 held a maximum of 149 passengers, and was 105 feet long. A total of 1,113 737-300's were produced

The new 737 intrigued airlines, prompting some to request Boeing to yet again lengthen the 737. The 737-400 was then designed, by lengthening the 737-300 by nearly 10 feet, allowing for a maximum capacity of 174 passengers. New engines were made for this larger airliner to accommodate for the higher weights associated with larger aircraft. A total of 489 Boeing 737-400's were built.

The Classic generation contains yet one more aircraft, the 737-500. Boeing was approached by some airlines for a direct replacement of the 737-200, and took the base 737-300 and shortened it to the same original length, allowing for the same number of passengers, 130. A total of 388 Boeing 737-500's were produced.

After entering production in 1980, the production of Classic generation 737's came to an end in 1999. The first two series of the 737 began the legend of toughness, durability and capability of the 737 that would be grown upon in the 737 New Generation, a family of four different models of 737's. The 737 New Generation features newer, more efficient engines, reducing fuel consumption. Also, a newer cockpit design was integrated, using computer monitors to allow for easier operation of the

The first of the 737NG's was the 737-700 and was launched in 1993, and first flew in 1998. The 737-700 is the direct replacement of the 737-300, carrying a maximum of 149 passengers. This model was the first 737 to have factory installed winglets, allowing the aircraft to fly further using the same amount of fuel. To date, the over 850 737-700's have been produced, with many more on order. Many of these aircraft fly for Southwest Airlines.

The next biggest 737NG is the 737-800, Boeing's replacement for the 737-400. Originally designed in 1994, the 737-800 first flew in 1998, and can transport a maximum of 162 passengers. The 737-800 is widely used by many low cost carriers, especially in Europe. Over 2,000 737-800's have been produced, with another 1,000 ordered. After the 737-800 was designed, airlines showed an interest a smaller 737, for routes which were longer and had fewer passengers. This need resulted in the Boeing 737-600, the direct replacement of the 737-500. Today, fewer than 100 737-600's have been produced, but most are in service with Canadian airline WestJet.

Boeing also saw an interest for a larger 737, which would be able to hold yet more people. Boeing originally designed the 737-900. At a lengthy 138 feet, the 737-900 can accommodate 189 passenger maximum. This allowed airlines to hold the same number of passengers, but allowed for more leg room and the opportunity to add more first class seats to the aircraft. Boeing was approached about increasing the passenger load of the 737-900, and designed the 737-900ER. The only difference is the addition of a door, which allows for a maximum of 215 passengers to be flown. Continental Airlines and Alaska Airlines are two of the biggest operators of the 737.

Today, their are over 5,000 Boeing 737's flying around the world. What originally was thought of as a flop by Boeing now is the most successful commercial airliner in the world. It is said that on average a Boeing 737 takes off or lands every 5 seconds throughout the world. The 737 has been Boeing's most successful aircraft, and will continue to be for years to come.

Sources:
http://www.b737.org.uk/

http://www.boeing.com/commercial/airports/acaps/737.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_737